The evenly matched nature of division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League was very evident this week. Leaders Chelmsford A were held to a 5-5 draw by Rawreth & Hullbridge.
Waseem Qureshi won his three singles by beating Barrie Delf 3-2 (5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6), Gus Heath 3-1 (11-1, 11-7, 6-11, 11-4) and Paul Churn 3-2 (11-7, 8-11, 11- 9, 6-11, 11-9).
The match between second-placed Danbury D and third-placed Galleywood D also finished tied at 5-5. Galleywood’s James Hicks remained undefeated whilst Colin Blore beat Mathew Brown 3-2 (9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-8) for a very hard-earned success.
Hatfield Peverel B were indebted to Gary Ward as they beat Danbury C 6-4. Ward completed his trio of wins with a 3-2 (10-12, 7- 11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-5) win over Chris Hancox in the last game of the evening.
In the first division this year’s leaders – the all-conquering Danbury A (Gary Young, Reece Seddon and Duncan Taylor) hammered a below-strength Danbury C 10- 0. They look to be strong favourites to capture the title. Dave Richardson – one of the “success-stories of the season” in the top division -missed this match but with Richardson restored to the side Danbury C scored a fine 6-4 win over Maldon A. Richardson’s hat-trick of wins included a notable 3-2 (4-11, 11-7, 11- 8, 2-11, 11-9) victory over John Poysden.
Elmtree Graphics A were convincing 9-1 winners over OCs B. Simon Webber and Paul Davison were both undefeated whilst Trevor Carter made his mark for the losers by defeating Alistair Hill in five (10-12, 13- 11, 11-8, 11-8).
There was a shock of sorts in Division Three this week. Leaders Danbury G were beaten 6-4 by eighth-placed Maldon B. Tom Elder (three wins), Brian Riedling (one win) and Dawn Baldry (two wins) all played their part in this success.
The inter-club battle between Chelmsford C and Chelmsford B finished tied at 5-5. Al Piper (Chelmsford B) won his three encounters.
Danbury F (Herbie Smith, Dave Marsh and Nick Reece-Ford) all contributed to their side’s 8-2 win over OCs D whilst Maldon B (represented by their usual trio of Brian Riedling, Tom Elder and Dawn Baldry) defeated OCs D 7-3.
Galleywood C moved into third place in Division Four by beating Hatfield Peverel D 9-1. David Gatherall and Colin Barham both picked up hat-tricks of wins. However, they didn’t fare so well against OCs F and they lost 7-3. Charles Yeung was unbeaten for the OCs side whilst Adrian North picked up two wins.
Elsewhere, Elmtree Excalibur D ran out 9-1 winners against Danbury K. Dave Moles and Alan Offord won their three singles.
Chelmsford D had Jarek Pietraszuk to thank as they beat Chelmsford E 7-3. Jarek’s hardest encounter was against Richard Baxter and he eventually won 3-2 (5-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-7).
Division Five saw five matches decided by clear-cut margins. Second-placed Maldon D were the most emphatic winners of all and they beat Chelmsford F 10-0. Roger Hance, Denis Crapnell and Shirley Carroll were all undefeated.
Two matches were decided by 9-1 scorelines. Elmtree Excalibur E (Melanie Bonnett, Keith Fitzjohn and Nicola Pippen) beat Chelmsford G whilst Danbury L (Norman Hayes, Mick Robinson and Roger Tiffin) defeated Chelmsford G.
Hatfield Peverel E scored a very impressive 8-2 win over the higher-placed Highwood. Keith Cullen and Paul Mulley both notched up a full-house of wins. Highwood in turn tasted victory against OCs H, also winning 8-2. Martin Goddard won his three singles and Kevin Barber and Russell Downton both won twice.
Buttsbury A consolidated their leading position in the CLICK League by beating OCs J 4-1. James Hughes (two wins) and Tom Picton (one win) both played well.
All players are again reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed tournament takes place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School. The closing date for entries is this Friday, 18 December, and since the draw will take place a day after the closing date there will definitely not be any late entries allowed this season. With events ranging from Under 14 Singles to Over 60s Singles, Divisional Singles for all the main Divisions as well as Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles there are events to cater for everyone. It is hoped as many players enter as possible this year. Entries should be sent to the Competition Organiser Arthur Clark as soon as possible.